It is often said that "If you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism."
And that is how it is but not how it is perceived by the world at large.
Each persons journey with autism is very different to the next.
We are carers to our 2 adult sons with autism, the younger also has a learning disability. Their personalities and character are very different but the one point they have in common is limited understanding of social cues and processing information of everyday events.
A very confusing world. We adapt our conversation to meet their individual needs. Again very different. This can be seen by the world as directive and prescriptive. However it clarifies some of the mysteries of social communication, reduces anxiety and allows us all to function to some degree within the umbrella of our society.
Society can help us by awareness and acceptance. Extending the umbrella of friendship and encouraging us to flourish with our different ways by being open minded and non judgmental. This is possible in public spaces when personal opinions may override kindness and acceptance.
If you would like to read more about us do follow my blog. I am open to hearing and sharing other peoples stories on their journey with autism/ LD. Could be about anything eg. Seeking work from an autism friendly employer, about a visit to the dentist.... what reasonable adjustments could help, taking a holiday, going to the supermarket. etc Did someone change their attitude in a way that really made a difference?
If we put these accounts in the public eye we will become a more inclusive world’
